Stitch dictionary
Hand embroidery Stitch Dictionary: 20 Stitches Step by Step
Quick answer
Start with the beginner hand embroidery stitches: Backstitch, Blanket Stitch, Chain Stitch, Couching. This dictionary covers 20 hand embroidery stitches with step-by-step instructions, US and UK abbreviations where they exist, common mistakes and related stitches, sorted from easiest to most challenging.
| Stitch | US | UK | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backstitch | bs | bs | Beginner | Lettering, Outlines in cross stitch, Fine detail |
| Blanket Stitch | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Applique edges, Felt, Blanket edges |
| Chain Stitch | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Bold outlines, Lettering, Filling with rows |
| Couching | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Metallic threads, Yarn and cord, Bold outlines |
| Cross Stitch | X | X | Beginner | Counted designs on Aida and evenweave, Samplers, Pixel art |
| Fly Stitch | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Leaves, Grass, Borders |
| Lazy Daisy (Detached Chain) | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Flower petals, Leaves, Scattered filling |
| Outline Stitch | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Outlines, Redwork, Lettering |
| Running Stitch | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Outlines, Sashiko, Hand quilting |
| Seed Stitch (Embroidery) | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Textured fills, Shading, Backgrounds |
| Split Stitch | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Outlines, Padding under satin stitch, Filling with rows |
| Stem Stitch | n/a | n/a | Beginner | Stems and vines, Curved outlines, Lettering |
| Colonial Knot | n/a | n/a | Intermediate | Candlewicking, Dots, Flower centers |
| Feather Stitch | n/a | n/a | Intermediate | Crazy quilt seams, Borders, Foliage |
| French Knot | n/a | n/a | Intermediate | Flower centers, Eyes, Dotted texture |
| Herringbone Stitch | n/a | n/a | Intermediate | Borders, Crazy quilt seams, Shadow work base |
| Satin Stitch | n/a | n/a | Intermediate | Small shapes, Petals, Monograms |
| Woven Wheel (Spider Web Rose) | n/a | n/a | Intermediate | Roses, Raised flowers, Floral borders |
| Bullion Knot | n/a | n/a | Experienced | Roses, Caterpillars, Raised texture |
| Long and Short Stitch | n/a | n/a | Experienced | Shading petals, Thread painting, Animals and realistic motifs |
Researched from manufacturer specifications, owner manuals and verified owner reviews, not hands-on testing, and not professional advice. As an Amazon Associate, Cozy Stitchery earns from qualifying purchases.